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Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals Monday Notebook

05 Sep 2016
NHRA National Dragster staff
News

The 62nd annual Chevrolet Performance U.S. Nationals is officially in the record books after a wild day of final eliminations at Lucas Oil Raceway at Indianapolis. In addition to the awarding of individual eliminator trophies, the event, the final one of the 18-race NHRA Mello Yello Drag Racing Series season, also set the 10-driver fields in Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle that will complete in the six-race Countdown to the Championship playoffs that begin Sept. 16 in Charlotte, N.C.

Here’s a look at the five big stories of the day:

1. Schumacher nets 10th Indy winner, doubles up
U.S. Army Top Fuel driver Tony Schumacher scored his 10th U.S. Nationals victory, breaking the tie he held with Pro Stock legend Bob Glidden as the winningest Pro driver in the event history. Only Top Alcohol Funny Car icon Frank Manzo has more Indy wins with 11. Schumacher also earned a rare double-up, having also won Saturday’s Traxxas Nitro Shootout.

2. Hagan collects first Big Go victory with revenge win
Matt Hagan scored his first U.S. Nationals victory, reversing the outcome of the final round two weeks ago by defeating Del Worsham in the final round on a holeshot.

3. McGaha’s first Indy win comes on anniversary
Chris McGaha made his competition debut in Pro Stock five years ago at this event, and he celebrated the occasion by collecting his first U.S. Nationals title.

4. Hines wins, earns top points seed
Andrew Hines won for the second time at Indy in Pro Stock Motorcycle and in the process overtook Harley-Davidson teammate Eddie Krawiec for the points lead and the top seed entering the Countdown.

5. Countdown drama
Entering the day, spots in the top 10 remained open in all four classes, with Leah Pritchett outlasting Terry McMillen in Top Fuel, Alexis DeJoria fending off Chad Head in Funny Car, Erica Enders and Jeg Coughlin Jr. holding off Alex Laughlin, and Cory Reed going from outside to inside the top 10 in Pro Stock Motorcycle.